Draft Tour Itinerary:

Your experience commences the moment your flight lands in Paro International Airport, the only International Airport in Bhutan. Once you clear the custom and immigration procedure, you will be warmly received by our guide and taken you to the hotel for refreshment.

You will start your journey visiting the National Museum (Ta-Dzong). Once the watchtower for the Rinpung Dzong (Fortress), it was converted into the national Museum in 1968 (one of the best museums of Asia). The museum stands on a promontory overlooking the Paro valley in all its glory.

After lunch, drive to Thimphu for some sightseeing. In the evening drive to Punakha. Overnight in Drupchu Resort, Punakha.

Swiss Guest House, Bumthang

Day 02:11 November 2018: Punakha- Bumthang( 4.5 + hrs)

After breakfast drive via Trongsa to Bumthang. Bumthang is the general name given to a complex of four valleys - Chumey, Choekhor, Tang and Ura - with altitudes varying from 2,600 to 4,000 meters. The beauty of the area is renowned with rich and fertile high lands covered mostly in pine are known for their buckwheat and apple production, sturdy stone houses, and plethora of monasteries. It is the ideal place for walking due to the broad U-shaped valleys and sloping mountains. Being one of the coldest parts of the country, snow is a frequent sight in winter. Overnight in Swiss Guest house, Bumthang.

Phrumsengla National Park / Thrumshingla Pass

Day 03:12 November 2018: Bumthang - Mongar( 6+ hrs)

The journey would take you through mist-covered Thrumshingla pass (3800m), which is one of the highest passes in Bhutan You will be able to see the rivers, landscapes, cliffs, different types of forest, water fall and the distant glacial peaks. Picnic lunch will be arranged along the journey near Namling’s rocky cliff.

Mongar is noted for its lemon grass, a plant that can be used to produce an essential oil. It also has a hydro power plant on the Kuri Chhu river. In the past, this region was known as the bastion of the Zhongarps as it produced some of the finest administrators in the country whose descendants still continue to play an active part in the political scene of Bhutan. Overnight in a hotel in Wangchuk Hotel, Mongar.

Tashigang Dzong, practising for a tshechu

Day 04: 13 November 2018: Mongar - Tashigang – Phongmey(5 hrs +)

Drive to Trashigang and visit Tashigang Dzong (Fortress) located on a cliff. The entire eastern Bhutan was ruled from this fortress in the early history. Trashigang is the biggest and the second most populated district of the country. Villagers often come here to shop and sometimes just to get the feeling of being in a city. Overnight in home stay in Phongmey.

Day 05: 14 November 2018: Phongmey – Merak- Trashigang( 6+ hrs)

After early breakfast, drive to Merak. Merak-Sakteng stands out as a distinct attraction in Bhutan. Unlike anywhere else in the country, it offers a visitor to experience a unique semi-nomadic lifestyle, culture and vernacular in one of the most scenic pastoral valleys in the protected area of Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary in Trashigang Dzongkhag (District), in Eastern Bhutan.

After picnic lunch, drive back to Trashigang. Over night in Lingkhar Lodge.

Day 06: 15 November 2018: Fly: Yongphula – Paro( 1 hr +)

Day 07: 16 November 2018 Excursion to Tiger’s Nest

Start early and spend the morning hiking up the forested path to Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest, Bhutan’s most famous and scenic icon. The climb is steep and takes about 4-5 hours round trip.

This sacred place got its name when Guru Rinpoche rode there on the back of a flying tigress and meditated in a cave behind the present-day monastery. Special permit will be arranged for you to enter the Tiger’s Nest monastery but you will not be allowed to take pictures of the inside shrines. The shrines carry the beautiful auras left by the great saints whom meditated in the past, hence, it has been said one can easily get into a meditational state by just sitting silently.

Day 07:17 November 2018: Daytrip to Haa Valley (or to another place selected by the group)

Day trip selected by group (e.g. to Haa Valley and back). Overnight at Gangtey Palace.

The Haa valley is made up of five counties and was closed to outside world until 2002. The Haa Dzong (Fortress) is current occupied by military and no visitation is allowed, but the view of it is stunning.

Day08: 18 November 2018: Departures from Paro Airport

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: July 24th, 2018 because limited seats on flights to/from Paro and domestic flights within Bhutan during the high season (Fall). We will need a clear scan of your main passport page to book your seats.